Welcome Message

As American culture continues to descend into moral anarchy, secular humanistic schemes, and spiritual ignorance, the only hope for our nation lies in a renewed church that understands, appropriates and applies biblical truths personally, socially, and culturally. Join us in the Battle for Truth!

Truth@Work:A Life and Business Changing Experience

Are you a Christian business owner, President, CEO, or General Manager who could benefit from the insight and counsel of other business owners who will help you make business and personal decisions from a Biblical perspective? Then consider joining a Truth@Work Business Roundtable Group.

Resources

The marginalization of Christianity in the public square, the growth of religious pluralism, and the pervasive effects of individualism, narcissism, and consumerism have left many churches, pastors and faithful Christians uncertain about their place and purpose in the post-Christendom culture. We believe this ministry has been raised up to help Christians live faithfully in these times. We offer a variety of resources to aid the faithful Christian in the battle for truth.

Christians, Politics, and the Fate of the Nation
June 23, 2008
S. Michael Craven

In this heightened political season, there are many,
including some Christians, who believe the fate of the nation rises and falls
on the outcome of November’s presidential election. That is not to say that politics
and elections are inconsequential—the nation prospers from good leaders and
suffers from the inept—but are government and political leaders really the hope
or ruin of a nation?

Regarding politicians and their influence upon the nation,
consider two examples. Abraham Kuyper was a prominent Dutch theologian and
journalist who served as prime minster of the Netherlands from 1901 to 1905.
Kuyper was arguably one of the greatest Christian thinkers of the twentieth
century. His dissertations on the application of Christian thought to the whole
of life and culture are among the greatest expressions of the Christian
worldview; yet despite being one of the most notable Christian political
figures in history, his administration was unable to halt the spiritual and
moral decline of the Netherlands.

The other example in our survey is Adolf Hitler, who was
arguably the most evil political tyrant ever. In less than six years, Hitler
would lead the German people into a vision that would force the whole world
into an apocalyptic conflagration, killing more than 50 million human beings.
Here again, politics are not inconsequential. However, despite such a wicked
ruler, Germany survived and quickly returned to being a major economic power.

So what are we to make of these two comparisons, one godly,
the other evil? Both seem to have had little long-term effect on the course of
their respective nations. Perhaps politicians and political parties are not the
saviors we perceive them to be. Driven by concerns over that which plagues our
culture, I think we often live and think as if the right political arrangement will “heal” the nation. However, Jacques Ellul, the twentieth-century
Christian philosopher and theologian—himself involved in French
politics—rightly points out that politics can at most put “bandages on the
wound; it cannot eradicate the source of man’s affliction” (Jacques Ellul, The Political Illusion, p. 234).

If you know anything about me, you know that I am an ardent
advocate of cultural and social engagement. I am socially and fiscally
conservative; I’m a veteran and patriot and I believe we have a civic duty to
participate in the democratic process. So I am not calling for a withdrawal from politics. I am merely suggesting
that we have come to rely almost exclusively on political means rather than spiritual
means to reform the culture.

I think this is due, in large part, to the fact that
politics provides a significant object of interest, able to occupy our thoughts
and discussions while really requiring very little of us. We watch the news,
read the blogs, listen to the various pundits, wring our hands and fret—but to
what end? I know right now who I will vote for in November and I suspect most
of you do as well. That process will take me approximately 30 minutes of one
day and yet it is possible to spend nearly every waking hour obsessing over the
issues and the candidates. My inbox is filled daily with such fascinations.
Unless we are actually working in the political realm, why should we spend any
time lamenting the issues when doing so does not produce one iota of
substantive effect? In this sense, politics can become a major distraction from
the Christian’s true purpose and calling. Ironically, it is the liberal who
believes in the primacy of politics as the instrument of cultural and social
change. For the Christian, it is the gospel! Ellul reminds us that “an unbiased
and unprejudiced reading of the Bible shows that converting men to their Lord
is the work Christians are called to do” (Ellul, 234).

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he encourages the young
preacher to “endure
hardship … like a good soldier of Christ Jesus,” pointing out that “no one
serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs…”
(2 Tim. 2:3–4, NIV). Matthew Henry’s commentary on this passage makes the point
that all Christians are soldiers in the Lord’s army and as such, we “must not
entangle ourselves with those affairs, so as by them to be diverted and drawn
aside from our duty to God and the great concerns of our Christianity.”

Again, I am not saying that being a Christian and having political interest or
activity is incompatible; I’m not saying that Christians have no place in
politics. I think theologian Donald Bloesch correctly delineates the “great concern[s]
of our Christianity” when he writes, “The apostolic mandate is to preach the
Gospel, not a political program, but
this Gospel has tremendous social and political repercussions” (Bloesch, Essentials of Evangelical Theology, Vol.
2, p. 167). Bloesch is stressing that the political implications of
Christianity are indeed important; however, they follow the gospel and the conversion of lost souls. The church must
always remain focused on the latter, teaching converts to be disciples, with
one dimension of discipleship being social service, which includes politics.

It may be that we are attracted to
and over-reliant on politics because it offers a means of cultural engagement
without hardship. It’s engagement in the world with ease and without personal
cost. We can occupy ourselves so much so that we feel like we’re doing something; we convince ourselves that through
this activity we are defending God’s honor and standing for truth. But it’s
often just a diversion. In reality, we are standing at a distance from the
battle. We’re not actually in it; we’re merely observing while others wade into
the muck that is the fallen world. I spend almost every Tuesday in prison where
I disciple men whose lives have been nearly ruined by sin and neither
politician nor any political scheme can heal their affliction. It is here that light
conquers the darkness—in the mud and blood and suffering that sin has
wrought—and it is there that we bear witness to God’s amazing grace that
transforms people and nations.

It is the Lord who determines the
fate of the nations and it is in Him that we trust. Jesus is the Savior of the world, not any politician or political
program. And our calling is to love the Lord, our God with all of our heart,
mind, soul, and strength, to love our neighbors as ourselves and to make
disciples of all nations. It is nothing less than the pursuit of that which
Jacques Ellul says “seems impossible to us: the conversion of an entire
population and its government”
(Ellul, The Meaning of the City, p.
69).

So we will cast our votes this
coming November. But in the meantime, let us not be diverted from our duty to
God by an unholy reliance upon politics and politicians.

Excellent article - I sincerely hope it will be read by all Christians, especially those who seem to labor only in the political fields - seeking political decisions in areas where our Lord is so much better qualified.

Thank you for the clarifying and putting into perspective what can be a stumbling block for many Christians, including myself.

Response from : millie

June 23, 2008 10:35 AM

Thank you again for bringing light to the temptation of being distracted from our mission, and articulating the call to all who consider themselves Christians. Do we read our bibles as much as we read the headlines? Will we 'wrestle God's word' as vehemently as a political issue? Do we know the scriptures as well as a candidate's platform? Which has more eternal significance? As a parent, I don't have time to keep up with the political pundits, or entertain the latest talk show. That doesn't mean keeping my head in the sand... we can have awareness w/o obsessing, but my time is better spent praying through His word... this is where real culture change occurs. *Rom 12:3 *II Chron 7:14

Response from : James Stauffer

June 23, 2008 10:57 AM

I whole-heartedly agree. The political parties themselves understandably promote this idea because it helps them get support. I try to be very involved in politics because of the impact but always try to remember that politics can't touch the heart (but it can save a life).

Thanks. I seek 'Reformational Thinking'. Abraham Kuyper was key in intiating much thought in that direction.

Upon frequent reflection I find that we are entrenched in hierarchical dualistic thinking and managing. The churches seem to promote such narrow thoughts Sunday after Sunday. Christian Schools also pride themselves in creating 'independent thinkers'. Something is wrong here.

You have expressed the truth of the matter with care and a proper biblical balance. I am quite sure many readers will not understand but you have helped them think more clearly if they will read your words clearly. Let us pray that they do.

This article is excellent. Thank you. As Christians, our first act, to begin the process to save this nation, the institution of marriage, our freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and possibly even our sovereignty is to gather ALL Christians, Toradic Jews, and independent patriots behind Pastor Chuck Baldwin for President. Pastor Baldwin is the Constituion Party candidate, and with 80+% of this nation professing a belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.......we can take back the chance to submit ourselves to God with a godly man leading this nation, once again.

You can learn a great deal about this fine man at his website:
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2008/cbarchive_20080617.html

Michael, Good article. Here, however, is a caveat. You write: "So what are we to make of these two comparisons, one godly, the other evil? Both seem to have had little long-term effect on the course of their respective nations. Perhaps politicians and political parties are not the saviors we perceive them to be. Driven by concerns over that which plagues our culture, I think we often live and think as if the right political arrangement will "heal" the nation."

I think this may somewhat misunderstand the evangelical political aim. The impetus for political involvement by most of those evangelicals who care greatly about it (which, by the way, are very few per capita of the evangelical world), is not to change the nation as such, as you assume. It is instead to leverage one of the major methods to impact souls for eternity through salvation and discipleship. What happens in politics does influence this in a myriad of ways.

Two examples: Because evangelicals helped elect Reagan over Carter and then Mondale, the Iron Curtain fell much sooner than it otherwise would have and as a result a wave of evangelism washed over the former eastern block. Whether this makes for "national change" in 50 years is secondary to the souls saved and grown for eternal purposes.

Example two: Because evangelicals helped elect Reagan and Bush rather than Carter, Mondale and Dukakis, the Supreme Court had just enough justices to decide favorably in the Milford v. Good News Clubs case that opened the public schools to Child Evangelism Fellowship. Whether the election of Reagan/Bush makes any difference on America's cultural fate in the year 2030 makes little difference to the kids who came to Christ as a result of CEF getting into the schools. I know of some. I'm glad we voted in Reagan-Bush, just for the sake of those kids.

So political involvement doesn't have to be to effect long-term civilizational outcomes, although it can have that effect. But that is better left to God. We limited, finited creatures are called to take one step at a time, to do "whatever the next thing is that is best." In that regard, politics in America is a huge cultural and spiritual lever we dare not ignore.

While I acknowledge all the influences you suggest, I think the most basic reason why Christians have joined the political fray and largely abandoned the project of evangelizing the culture is that we no longer believe in the gospel's efficacy. We think it is all very well and good for people to be saved, but we no longer believe that saving faith makes an important difference in people's lives beyond the very personal. We've all known too many "born-again" Christians who live for their own pleasure and vote for their own short-sighted interests. We no longer trust God to transform lives, to translate people from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of his Son. We do not see the gospel as radical; we see it as incremental---it causes some change but not what we want. The main reason for this loss of hope in the gospel is that we have forgotten the gospel. The gospel in which have lost hope is not the good news Jesus proclaimed. That good news seems too far-fetched; few Christians believe it at all.

This article is right on. Politics today is more about who has the best idea on the major "hot" issues than seeking to govern the people. When we come to the point we have to make laws against EVERY MORAL ISSUE, we have missed the boat. Our PRIMARY concern should be taking seriously the Great Commission and the campaign against unbelief. We are to make Disciples and teach them the whole counsel of God. Moral issues will then take care of themselves as Christians become obedient to the Word. Belief in anything less than that is really unbelief and is not trusting God. May God stir our hearts to be faithful soldiers of the Cross and to trust the Captain of our Salvation to win the war against unbelief.

Some things we need to remember:
1. God and Him Glorified is more important than any election
2. God is sovereign and He does not rise and fall on the public vote
3. Just because one is a believer in Christ does not mean he (she) is competent to govern.
4. His Kingdom come but through our prayers and not our canvassing.

Thank you, Michael, for your ministry. I always enjoy receiving your articles by email. I am a friend of Jack Hafer (film not radio) who met you with him a couple of years ago at HPPC at a Christ and Culture seminar at which you taught. I noticed in your most recent article you mentioned that you spend every Tuesday in jail and I grew hopeful. I too taught in jail while I was in seminary at RTS-Orlando and have always hoped to find a way to return to prison and bring others with me as a deacon at our church. However, I have found that more difficult in Texas as ther is a waiting list for applicants. Can you give me some direction here? I'd like to start a prison ministry at our church. Thanks and may the Lord bless you and keep you.
Todd

Well said! Spiritual problems are not solved by politicians and attempts to enforce a spiritual morality have not been solutions to moral decline and decay. Many Christians have abdicated their role in the culture by relying upon political means to bring the Kingdom of God into fruition. It takes the work of men, women and children who go one on one, praying, interceding and living by example to bring cultural transformation. Jesus sent them out to declare that the Kingdom had come near. He did not send them out to form political action committees, draft legislation, nor to mobilize communities. We are called to heal the sick, cast out demons (release the prisoners, feed the hungry and clothe the naked in His name.

I whole heartedly agree! Even though I recently ran for office, I openly admit that there is an over-reliance on politics to reform, instead of looking to God Almighty to change hearts. The biggest problem is that most Christians seem to have a very low view of God, as if God is a democracy and we can vote or decide what we want to believe and obey, or reject. But God is the Supreme Authority, and until Christians go back to living like that, all politics can do, at best, is to act as a brake to slow down the natural effects of evil. I enjoy your writings very much. Kevin George

Chuck Ballard at Aldersgate Church in Greenville. I have been involved with Howard Tryon (http://www.christianactualism.org/) and didn't know if you have ever heard of him or not. Much of his thinking concerning culture, society and Christianity is similar to yours. He is developing some material that will be going into book form that may have the potential to have major impact in stimulating "salt and light" involvement of the church in our culture. If he is interested in doing so as well, would you be willing to work out a lunch (or other time) meeting with him sometime after mid-July. I would like to come as well just to enjoy watching the two of you talk together!!

Michael,
I think you have it right on. I could not agree with you more. We as people of God need to seriously get to work and do what God has called us to do: preach the word, in season and out of season. It is the only way for one to really have a change of heart and mind. Continue with the work you are doing my brother in Christ and thanks for reminding us of our responsibility in this time of uncertainty. The only one who will make the difference and who holds the whole world in His hands is Jesus Christ
Your sister in Christ, Kathleen Jennigs